Glass art consists of many sub-genres and fused glass is just one of them. Fused glass is the art of melting glass in a kiln. From this one, the process comes hundreds of different techniques.

Fused glass can also be referred to as kiln-formed or kiln-glass and is an accessible and rewarding art form for many people. Fused glass is also quickly growing in popularity in the art community. Unlike stained glass, fused glass does not use lead lines. Dimensional or non-flat pieces can be created without being cut or assembled via hundreds of small pieces.

Fused glass is also different from blown glass because the learning curve for new artists is rather short. The reason being that there are very few physical demands on the artist and anyone’s home garage can be converted into a well equipped fused glass studio.

Basic Fused Glass Techniques

Fused

Fused glass is created when two or more pieces of glass that are placed in a kiln and heated until they fuse together into a single piece.

Slumped

Slumped or draped is the process of placing the glass over a mold and heating it until the glass has slumped into a shape. Frequently the glass being slumped has design elements already used it.

Cast

Casting glass is the process of melting the glass so that it flows into a mold. There are many variations of glass casting including lost wax and pate de Verre. Glass that has been cast is usually think and dimensional.

Have you ever been in charge of planning a night out with your friends, but you can’t seem to come up with any good party ideas? Planning something new and exciting for your next night out can be difficult, but we at Pottery Isle believe that hosting a painting party is the perfect social activity for you and your friends. Here are some other reasons why you should consider hosting a paint night.

Social Hobby:

Painting is the perfect activity for you and your friends to do while talking and catching up. You can take your time creating your masterpiece while enjoying a beverage and great company.

No Experience Required:

Painting is an art form that requires zero prior experience. The goal is to have fun and to express yourself any way that you want. As an added bonus, since you are surrounded by your friends, there is no reason why you should ever feel shy about what you are painting.

Cost Effective:

Having a great time does not always mean spending the most, hosting a paint night is a great way to keep cost down while still enjoying yourself. Painting sets are available to purchase if you do not have all of the material in place.

Something to Bring Home:

After the painting is over, the best part is that you and your guests will have something to take home and cherish forever.

If you haven’t already noticed from photos on social media or countless groups available, adult paint nights have become the newest trend for a night out. From paint nights to adult coloring books there is a reason why these trends have become so popular. Here are three reasons as to why adult paint nights have become so popular.

Stress Reliever and Anxiety Reducer

Adults lead hectic and busy lives. From juggling full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities it is hard to make time for “fun” during you’re the work week. There are just not enough hours in the workday. This is the same reason as to why meditation has become so popular during working hours. The act of coloring drawing or painting can be a cathartic escape from everyday stress.

Childhood Nostalgia

A trend among young adults is to seek out childhood experiences. This is also the reason why we are starting to see summer camps for adults becoming a growing trend too. There is nothing more reminiscent of our childhood days than coloring with paint or drawing. This is the same reason why adult coloring books have also grown so popular. Unlike children’s coloring books, adult coloring books are more intricate and detailed, but the feeling of nostalgia still holds strong.

Putting Down The Tech

Throughout the day, adults are constantly staring at screens from mobile phones to desktop computers. Whether it is in the office or at home, it has become increasingly difficult to unplug from the technological world. Adult paint nights have become that much-needed escape from technology that many of us find so difficult to do.

Fostering creativity in your child won’t just increase their chances of becoming the next great artist but will also help them developmentally, socially, and emotionally. Creating art may boost a young child’s ability to analyze and problem-solve in a number of ways. As a child uses a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve and by counting colors or art pieces, they are honing their basic math skills. When children mix and match colors, they are acting as scientists exploring new color combinations. Self-confidence can be boosted if the child feels proud of the work that they created. Here are five ways in which you can inspire creativity in your child.

Let them be messy:

Find a space where they can be free to experiment with and be messy. Line the floor with sheets or newspapers to make clean up easier.

Avoid Giving Directions:

Encourage your child to be creative without providing too much direction. Allow them to use different colors and brushes to create whatever they want. If needed, give them a simple task to paint an image and let them be themselves.

Ask Them Why:

After your child has finished creating their masterpiece. Ask them insightful questions and allow them to explain their answer. Questions such as “why did you choose this color” or “what were you thinking about when you were painting?”

Do Not Draw With Them:

Children can become frustrated when their parent tries to help them during their creative process. It is better to be near them and show your support without being too overbearing.

Finished is Finished:

If your child believes that their artwork is complete then it is complete, avoid giving them suggestions on what they can add or improve their painting.